Artisanal cheesemakers honored at regional awards in Maine and Ireland

Regional cheese competitions in the United States and Ireland have announced their 2026 award winners, celebrating excellence in artisanal production.

In Maine, the Maine Cheese Guild held its 10th annual Maine Cheese Festival in Pittsfield. Haymay Creamery of Farmington received the ‘Best in Show’ title and first place in the Washed Rind category for its cheese, Pudge. The competition featured over 100 entries judged by a panel of experts on flavor, texture, and presentation.

In Ireland, the Association of Irish Farmhouse Cheesemakers (CÁIS) hosted the 11th biennial Irish Cheese Awards at Cloughjordan House in Co. Tipperary. Killeen Farmhouse Cheese from Portumna won five awards, including three ‘Best In Class’ honors for its goat cheeses and a silver award for its cow cheese. Aran Islands Goats’ Cheese also secured multiple honors. The judging process involved 15 experts evaluating 150 cheeses from 30 producers across the island.